How To Bond With Your Teen

Teenage or adolescence is stage that involves a lot of tremendous biological, physiological and social changes in a person. Although a relatively short period, it brings about many vital changes and is regarded as one of the prime periods of human life. Proper guidance and supervision is very important during this stage, as there is a relatively high tendency for a child to go astray and commit mistakes. This is the time when your son or your daughter steps out of his/her childhood, into a world of immense competition and tries to become independent. Many-a-times, it becomes very difficult for parents to cope with the sudden change in their child. However, they should make every effort to rekindle the bond that they once shared with him/her. Differences in opinion and views are bound to arise, but they have to strike a balance, so that they not only guide their child towards the correct path, but also maintain the attachment and love that is very necessary for a healthy relationship. Given below are some important tips on how you can bond with your teen. Read on and explore the ways in which you can maintain a healthy and caring relationship with your teenage child.

Bonding With Your Teenager

One way to maintain a strong and healthy relationship with your teenager is by spending some time together. In today’s world, due to work pressure and other such factors, many people do not get sufficient time to spend with their children. To compensate for the lost time, try to spend as much time together as possible or arrange for special outings and get-togethers. Make some extra effort to know and understand your teenage child.

You can also bond with your teen during simple moments. For instance, when you are cooking a meal, raking the yard or watering your flower pots, try to have small chats with him/her. This will be even better than a get-together, as it won’t show that you are putting any conscious efforts on bonding with your teen. The conversations undertaken during such times will be idle, more open and definitely better than any confrontations during dinner time.

A great way to open up is with you teenager is by going for long car drives. This will not only take your mind off from your daily problems, but also let you concentrate in a better way on what your child has to say to you. If possible, talk while sitting side-by-side with your child, as this way your teen will not feel the need to be defensive.

The way you converse with a teen is as vital as the conversation itself. Always try to be less intrusive and do not ask too many questions. Keep your mind open to any possibilities. Your teen may not talk to you at the very first instance. He/she may even walk out on you, when you are trying to talk. But, you need to be very patient and tolerant. Let him/her take his/her time.

When you try to get close to your teenage child, you may get to hear phrases like ‘I am too busy’ or ‘I need a lot of space’. Do not be disheartened by such remarks and focus on your aim to try to open up your child. Remember, this is a phase every child goes through (even you did) and only understanding will help you get over it in a positive way.

If your child is adamant that he/she do not want to talk to you, try finding other ways to communicate. This can be anything that does not bring him/her face to face with you, like IMs, emails and texting. Some teens open up better when writing words, rather than in direct conversation.

When it is the time for you to listen, do not talk or pass judgments. It is very vital for you to not interrupt your teen, when he/she is venting out his/her feelings. Also, strictly avoid any kind of sarcasm, teasing or taunting. Be a patient listener, not a judge.

Make an effort to show that you are interested in your teen’s matters and pay attention to what he/she has to say to you. Also, be open and free to sensitive issues, like dating and such other intimate topics. Be a friend to your teen and try to share his/her thoughts and feelings.